Rise and shine DFW,

Economists are looking at the effects of those buy now, pay later programs— you know, like Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm. While, of course, there’s a worry about increasing debt for relatively low-income earners who might have trouble paying off their balances, many Americans say the option to make payments on appliances, clothes, travel, and even grocery bills is saving them in tough times. 

A recent study shows that 46% of buy now, pay later purchases are being used for groceries. Have you ever used one of these programs for everyday needs, like food purchases? Let me know by taking the anonymous poll below.

If the recent onslaught of political ads haven’t been clear, the Texas midterm election is fast approaching. In honor of National Voter Education Week, we’re carving space out of our email every edition this week to make sure you have all the information you need to guarantee your voice is heard. 

First things first: Today (Oct. 5) is the last day to register in Texas to vote in the general election. You must:  

🗳️ be a US citizen

🗳️ be 18 years old before or on Election Day (but you can preregister to vote if you’re turning 18)

🗳️ meet Texas’ residency requirements and are a resident of the county where you’re submitting your application

If you’re registering by mail, your application must be postmarked by this date. Need to check the status or print the online application? Head to our voter registration portal.

 🙌 If you’re already election-ready, help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

Lammes Candies will remain in business thanks to Delightful Development Co. (Photo courtesy of Lammes Candies and Dixie Dixon Photography)

By Sam Cohen

For 141 years, Lammes Candies provided sweet treats to people throughout the greater Fort Worth area and beyond. Five months ago, the family behind the confectionary company announced it would be closing its doors. Now, that closure has, thankfully, become a temporary blip on the radar.

A press release dated Sept. 29 announced that Lammes Candies would restart its operations through the help of Fort Worth’s Delightful Development Co., a hospitality team founded by Kayla Wilkie-Kinne and Craig Cavileer. The duo acquired Lammes Candies and is committed to restoring and preserving its unique legacy. 

If you’re 65+, the Dallas Zoo will give you free admission every Sunday through the end of the year. Regular admission tickets for adults usually cost between $40-45. And to make a zoo visit even easier, Uber is offering visiting seniors 50% of their rides to the park to make family fun even more accessible for a wider group of people. 

The Dallas Zoo has launched different initiatives like this to make the zoo a place for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and needs. There are two $1 admission days throughout the year, and federal workers and military families have had the opportunity to visit free of charge. Children with sensory sensitivity have special nights during holiday events and, in December, the park announced a reduced price membership program for families using SNAP and WIC benefits. 

Victor Garcia of Sol Dias (Noemi Castanon)

Hey y’all, it’s Noemi Castanon, your Courier DFW Intern. This time I wanted to tell you about a paleteria I checked out recently that happens to be a finalist for H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best. The annual statewide competition saw nearly 1,000 Texas small businesses apply for a chance to win cash prizes and a spot on H-E-B shelves—and this shop made the final 10.  

Sol Dias in Haltom City opened in 2020 when founder Victor Garcia wanted to start an ice cream shop connected to his roots. When he first immigrated to the US, he realized there were no paleterias—or traditional Mexican ice cream shops that offer paletas (creamy ice pops made from fresh fruit) and snacks like churros and nachos—around him. 

The shop itself is small inside, but they do have a large outdoor covered patio area. Upon walking in, I was greeted by two smiling faces behind the counter. The employees immediately asked if I was looking for something specific or if I’d like some recommendations. 

With their advice, I ordered the elote, or corn in a cup with cheese and other additions, and an agua fresca, a freshly made fruit juice. The corn was very creamy and rich in flavor, while the agua fresca was a deliciously sweet combination of fresh mango and pineapple. 

If you order a paleta, you’ll have more than 20 flavors to choose from. For the H-E-B competition, the shop submitted coconut and strawberry, fresas con crema (strawberries and cream,) and summer sandia (watermelon). Garcia hopes you’ll soon be able to pick up a variety pack from your nearest H-E-B. 

Competition or not, I know I’ll be be back—especially because they’re open  10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week—who doesn’t have an after dinner sweet tooth?! And if Haltom City isn’t convenient, there are two locations in Watauga and one in Irving, with another set to open near the Fort Worth Stockyards next year.

Check out my interview with the owner here.

Don’t Sleep On is a weekly series where we shout out DFW events and businesses I think you should try. Have a suggestion? Reply to this email.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere. with a story from Sam Cohen. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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